Blinded by Hate | a.hotchner

Chapter 30

You knew that getting cleared meant going back to work, which made you nervous but also glad. You missed working, but you knew that you wouldn't be allowed in the field.

"Why can't I go into the field? I got cleared three days ago." You complained to Aaron in the shower.

"Because, you're still recovering, physically and mentally." He told you, his hands washing shampoo out of your hair.

"I hate paperwork, I can come on cases and stay at the station. I'll stay out of the field." You suggested, turning around to let him put conditioner in your hair.

It had become a regular thing for Aaron to wash your hair. He started doing it when you couldn't use your broken hand, and it kind of stuck. After you healed enough, you started to do the same for him.

"I know you do, princess," Aaron said, squirting conditioner into his hand, "but, you still have to pass the psych eval."

That's what you were going to work to do today. You had to sit through a slew of different psychological tests and talk to a shrink about your abduction.

"Oh boy, I'm thrilled about that. I can't wait to explain what happened to me in great detail, and be analyzed by some stupid shrink." You said in a fake cheerful voice, turning to face away from the water again. You set your hands on his hips, your thumb absentmindedly rolling over your initials.

"I know, baby. But I think it'll help, maybe after talking about it, the nightmares will stop." He suggested, gently rinsing the product out of your hair.

The nightmares of Briza torturing you hadn't slowed down a bit, sometimes even having two or three a night. You would wake up, hot tears streaming down your face and Aaron holding you tightly to his chest.

He would stroke your hair and draw circles on your back till you fell back asleep. If one was bad enough, you would wait for him to fall asleep and then you would sneak to the couch or guest room. Sometimes you would wake up in his bed again. Other times, Aaron would join you on the couch or in the guest bed, his legs and arms wrapped around you protectively.

"Maybe." You muttered, letting your head fall against his chest. He wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you against his bare body. His lips pressed a kiss on top of your head, and you hummed happily at the gesture.

After getting dressed and ready for work, you and Aaron headed to the office. You were filled with dread, not wanting to start the evaluation and certification process. Aaron parked in the garage and instinctually went around to help you out of the car. He almost pulled you into his arms, another thing that he started doing, but your words stopped him.

"Pick me up, and I'll scream." You told him with a laugh.

"Right." He said, awkwardly retracting his hands from you, "Do you want to come up and see the team, or just head straight to the third floor?" He asked, leading you to the elevator.

"I'll come up and see them at lunch, I want to get this over with." You told him, letting your pinky find his.

-

When the doors opened, you hesitated for a moment, but walked through the doors and gave Aaron a wave goodbye. You let out a small sigh, before checking in and waiting for your therapist to bring you back.

A quiet click of heels alerted you to a short brunette approaching you. She had on a sweater and cardigan, as well as a scarf around her neck.

"Agent y/l/n?" She asked.

She sounds nice.

You nodded at her question, meeting her eyes, "I'm Dr. Finley, I'll be doing your evaluation today." She told you, gesturing for you to follow her to her office.